The 26-year-old is Sunderland manager Gus Poyet's first choice midfield anchor, but in past seasons has racked up more than ten yellow cards and a couple of reds.

Cattermole has been a leading performing for Poyet though, and says he has tightened up on his tackling. He was booked seven times last year and has one yellow in four games so far this season.

"When I was younger I wasn't as calm on the pitch as I could have been," he said.

"Things also happened off the pitch which got blown out of proportion. I am more focused now and feel I am at a good time in my career.

(Image: Matthew Lewis)

"Cleaning up my act? Yeah. It is just being at a good time in my career. I'm not having to try as hard on the pitch and all the lads, as individuals, feel a lot more settled in knowing what the manager wants from everyone on the pitch."